Dana Carvey, the legendary comedian known for his iconic roles on Saturday Night Live and memorable impressions, recently shared insights into his comedic career during an appearance on HBO's Real Time with Bill Maher. During the episode aired on March 21, 2025, Carvey discussed not only his comedic work but also a rather audacious moment where he angered billionaire Bill Gates with a joke that struck too close to home.
In a humorous recounting of an experience where he revived his famed Church Lady character at a performance alongside Gates, Carvey took liberties with the script, poking fun with his unique style. "It wasn't on the script. I turn to him and said, 'Well, well, well. We like ourselves, don’t we? Apparently, we made a deal with the devil. The devil said we can have $100 billion dollars, but we’d have to go through life looking like a turtle,'” Carvey reminisced. This joke, intended to be light-hearted, led Gates to walk off the stage in apparent outrage. Carvey's cheeky impersonation of Gates, complete with a mock sweater gesture, added to the entertainment, although it wasn't without its risks.
Reflecting on the incident, Carvey explained, 'The audience erupted in a roar of laughter, prompting me to ask: “What, you feel he looks like a turtle? It was a joke!”' He acknowledged trying to smooth things over afterward, even suggesting a traditional Church Lady dance to break the tension, but Gates opted to leave the stage instead.
Alongside recounting his experiences with Gates, Carvey also shared his journey in crafting a new impression of tech magnate Elon Musk. During his recent performance on SNL, where he debuted his Musk take in November 2024, he faced a mixed response. Carvey allowed that he felt his initial take on Musk was more of a work-in-progress. When asked for his thoughts on the impression by Maher, Carvey confessed, "I can't do Elon Musk very well," indicating the complexity of Musk's accent, which blends influences from South Africa, Canada, and possibly even a hint of British and Australian. It's a complex spectrum, making mimicking it a challenge.
Despite early self-doubt, Carvey reintroduced his Musk impression on Maher’s show, stating, "We gotta go to Mars because we can't sustain life on planet Earth. We gotta go to Mars, it's just gonna be really cool, OK?" His comedic portrayal aims to balance both reverence for Musk's achievements and playful critique about the reality of climate and sustainability.
Carvey's ability to craft impressions of several prominent figures, including Donald Trump and Joe Biden, showcases not just his comedic prowess but a keen observation of the personalities he impersonates. During the Real Time episode, he rattled off several impressions, providing a glimpse into his comedic range and the nuances he sees in these larger-than-life figures.
As one of SNL's beloved alumni, Carvey's historical impact on comedy is undeniable, with his impersonations often shining a light on the cultures and personalities we see in the media today. He blends humor with commentary, ensuring his impressions resonate with audiences who appreciate a more thought-provoking laugh.
Clearly, Dana Carvey understands the fine line comedians often walk between humor and sensitivity. His experiences remind us how comedy works—they can be a source of joy and discomfort in equal measure. As he continues refining his impressions, he remains a staple in modern comedy, no longer just a figure from the past but a continuing influence in entertainment today.
